Low Incidence Classroom Look For’s TDEA Think Tank Low Incidence Classroom Look For’s Time: 1 Minute

What is a low incidence classroom? A self-contained class of students, assigned by the Executive Director of Intervention Services or his/her designee, who participate in a significantly modified curriculum aligned to the Ohio Academic Content Standards (extended); require IEP goals in functional and life-skills areas; and typically qualify for Ohio’s Alternate Assessment for Significant Cognitive Disabilities. In Cleveland a low incidence classroom is staffed by teachers with one of the following classifications: MD/AU OH MEF Time: 1 Minute

Lesson Plans Ohextendedstandards.org All lesson plans should be aligned to the Ohio’s Learning Standards Extended The OLS-E have been newly updated and will be rolled out throughout the school year Ohextendedstandards.org OLS-E are broken down into 3 levels of complexity from most complex to least complex. (see handout) Lesson plans should include any whole group presentation and also scaffolded activities based on the OLS-E levels of complexing Time: 1 Minute

Lesson Plans (continued) Lesson plans should identify the differentiated materials and technology necessary for appropriate presentation Visual supports Augmentative communication devices iPads White board/SmartBoard Lesson plans should indicate which IEP goals/objectives will be touched upon A task analysis or steps needed to complete requested task is recommended to be present

Assessing LI Students Assessment of LI students should align to IEP methods of measurement for goals/objectives Copies of assessments related to IEP goals/objectives should be kept in special education case management files Curriculum-based assessment (Attainment, Unique Learning System) Portfolios Observation Anecdotal records Short-cycle assessment Performance assessment Checklists Running records Work samples Inventories Rubrics Time: 1 Minute

What does a LI classroom look like? Schedules and visuals: Daily schedule is posted Individual student schedules are utilized Daily schedule is followed as posted Visuals are used to support learning (classroom is labeled with words and visuals, token system/reinforcers, pictures of important staff members) Transitions are supported through schedules and visuals Time: 1 Minute

What does a LI classroom look like? Behavior: Instruction: FBA and BIP are complete and utilized for appropriate students Token economy/rewards system (can be differentiated for students) Teacher uses modeling and differentiated reinforcement to support positive behavior Positive reinforcement is provided frequently and at a rate that exceeds corrective feedback All staff that interact with students are aware of behavioral needs, BIPs, reinforcers, etc. Instructional areas are clearly defined Materials are readily accessible and organized to avoid distraction/sensory overload Variety of instructional strategies are used to address differing needs of students Students are actively engaged in meaningful activities and do not have unstructured “free time”

What does a LI classroom look like? Social Communication Direct instruction used to teach social and communication skills Tiered based on needs of students Use of social narratives, video modeling, discrete trial training, etc. Visuals are present and used to engage students Augmentative or assistive communication Accessible to students at all times Picture Exchange System (PECS) 2 way white board communication Voice volume charts, feelings scales

What does a LI classroom look like? Social Communication Students are given opportunities to make choices throughout day Choices provided for independent work If multiple tasks are to be completed student given choice when possible of order to complete Student choices as reinforcer for positive behavior